President Bola Tinubu reopened the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC).
He has also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for the use of the facility to ensure its upkeep and long-term sustainability.
The President recalled the shock he felt about its poor state when he visited the Centre during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament Conference.
“When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament Conference, the environment was dirty, disorganized, and uninhabitable.
I turned to Mr. Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are.
Have we sunk this low?’ He replied, ‘No, bear with us. We will do whatever we can to transform the place.’ Today, I am very happy.”
The President described the ICC Abuja as part of the country’s larger vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and other thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect the ‘Nigeria First’ principle.
The President restated his administration’s determination to revitalize infrastructure across transportation, healthcare, education, energy, urban development among other key sectors.
President Tinubu commended the FCT Minister for his vision and quality of execution.
He said: “Do not pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work.
“You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision, and determination.”
Akpabio lauds collaboration
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the collaborative spirit between the executive, legislature, and judiciary under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“Mr. President, this transformation would not have been possible without your leadership.
“Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed because they lacked your courage and vision.”
Akpabio stressed the need for financial discipline in maintaining the newly upgraded facility.
“Whether you are a ministry or an agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it.
No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something,” he said.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is among several capital projects scheduled for commissioning by President Tinubu in the FCT to mark President’s second anniversary in office.
The Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had earlier announced the renaming of the Centre as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
He also named halls at the Centre after the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
